A dental emergency refers to any situation that involves damage or discomfort to the oral cavity. When faced with a dental emergency, whether a toothache or a damaged restoration, you should contact our office right away. If the situation is life threatening however, you should call 911 or head to the emergency room. After contacting our office, there are steps you can take to address the immediate pain and discomfort of a dental emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
Question: How do I remove something caught between my teeth?
Answer: An object stuck between your teeth can cause serious discomfort and qualifies as a dental emergency. You should take a piece of floss and gently floss along either side of the teeth where the object is caught. If this fails to remove the object, then come to our office. Never use anything other than floss as this can injure your gums.
Question: What do I do if I chip a tooth?
Answer: If you can find the pieces of your chipped tooth, bring them with you to the office. You can apply a piece of gauze to control any bleeding and also apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. We can repair the tooth with dental bonding.
Question: What if a filling comes loose?
Answer: You can purchase dental cement from a pharmacy as a temporary solution until we can see you and repair your restoration. If the filling is lost, you can place a piece of sugar-free gum or wax over the tooth as an immediate measure until you arrive at the office. There, we will place a new filling in the same visit.
Question: Do I bring a knocked-out tooth to the office?
Answer: Yes. First, when you pick up the tooth, only handle it by the crown, or top portion, never the root. You should gently hold the tooth under running water to remove dirt or foreign debris. However, try not to remove any tissue adhering to the tooth.
If you can, place the tooth back into your socket and gently bite down to hold it in place. If this is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk and bring it with you to the office.
If you have any questions about dental emergencies, call our Fort Worth dental office today at (817) 737-6601 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nikki Green or Dr Ryan Knight.
